Emmanu’-EL Apostolic Gospel Academy aka EAGA Gospel Choir robed in blue
and gold gowns and the ladies in their glowing gold hats reached 2018 Britain’s
Got Talent semi-finalists and this year were a part of the oldest Christian
programme, Songs of Praise. Under the patronage of Bishop Mark Anderson
who was born and raised in Portland Jamaica by his praying grandmother is a
strong believer of praise and worship being a vehicle to positively impact the
nations. Under his leadership the EAGA gospel choir performed a wide
repertoire of medleys in the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2023
competition. Having been shortlisted with four other choirs, the Choir was very
ecstatic and eagerly anticipated the challenge. Christian rapper, author and
broadcaster, GuvnaB, affirmed passionately that the choir was EAGA by name
and by nurture. Entry into this prestigious competition induced something
‘more special’ amongst the members, gracefully pushing their vocal cords and
blending their voices in higher levels of harmony whilst rehearsing these
unfathomable medley arrangements. Ellah Kandi, choir leader signed British
sign language to the medley ‘In Christ alone and Tis so sweet’. She shared how
she is a believer in inclusion, the importance to feel that you belong and the
choir having a dedicated signer for every song the choir sings.

Moreover, this additional effort involved the Choir collectively focusing on the
great task ahead, whilst individually both near and far, practising ardently. The
more we rehearsed, recorded our parts, reviewed the sound, and executed our
Choir Director’s productive feedback, the easier it became to minister the
songs. As a result, our signature wall of sound was strengthened and balanced
even further, as we all equally learnt to pay attention to our singing notes,
environment, and requirements. This heavenly sound resonated in the self-
described as an, "animateur, presenter and populariser of choral singing,"
Gareth Malone’s ears, leading him to confidently state that it sounded like 60
choristers were ministering rather than 30.

Upon arrival, at the extraordinary competition venue, the magnificent
Manchester Monastery, we were mesmerized by this masterpiece of
architecture. During our stay, we met the competing choirs, and there was a
constant display of lively vocal serenades. Whilst it seemed slightly
overwhelming for others, where the songs were known by all, choristers joined
in sweet musical accordance, but at other times, choirs would perform personalised r

enditions which demanded our attentive ears and unfading smiles.

There was an almost unmissable tangible atmosphere of humility mixed with
much hope of a victorious outcome amongst the EAGA Choir choristers. Then
the time we had all been waiting for, to perform was upon us. Introducing his
choice of songs, our Choir Director and Gospel Music Arrangements Maestro,
Minister Jordan Anderson, mentioned that he wanted the audience to
experience church as we do every Sunday morning. Evidencing inclusivity and
the diversity within the Choir, he also mentioned that this influenced the
choice of the South African culture and Zulu songs. In addition the choir
coordinator, Pastor Samuel Gapara, translated the meaning of these African
songs, highlighting that, “…Njalo means over and over we are going to keep
praising, keep on offering and doing what we do as Christians…And the last
one Umu Jehovah, it means when God opens a door no man can shut it.” On
stage I began to appreciate the producers of BBC Songs of Praise, and the
enormity of the scale of audience we were about to serenade with authentic
spirit-filled gospel melodies through this competition. A deep sense of
fulfilment suddenly hit the chords of my heart, as we, the EAGA Choir stood in
one accord, with one heart. Each member, as a piece of a jigsaw puzzle fitted
into their rightful position and so, gave it their all.

As we ministered each piece of the two powerful medleys, the audience went
wild, praising God, cheering, and applauding heartily. This eyeful fuelled us all
to go higher in worship right on that performance stage. In these televised
moments, we took all who were gathered at this place of grandeur, to church,
as we launched into the depth of true worship. Henceforth, we were
enraptured in the moment as we sought not only to impress the judges but
must importantly our God, and to minister to the needs of all who were under
our voice. Therefore, UK’s Soul Queen, Mica Paris, confessed delightfully that
“…the power that comes out of these vocalists is just insane and the
atmosphere that they create is electrical!”

Furthermore, the motivating presence and assuring responses of our
supporters to all our performances empowered us with an astronomical level
of confidence. Thus, there was a feeling of euphoria that resonated
throughout. Coupled with our lead singer, sister Antonia’s, angelic voice which
never failed to belt out the correct notes of ‘In Christ Alone,’ the Choir
followed gloriously. Uniting in blissful harmony and what was a very moving

performance, we came in so skilfully with our parts, as one voice knitted
together in the conviction that it was indeed, in Christ alone, where our hope
was found. Most importantly, every aspect of our Choir Master, Minister
Jordan’s, choir directing unlocked the effective past rehearsals, having us
manifest the real meaning of singing with all our heart and mind, full of
precision and grace.

Finally, all the choirs that featured in the competition were summoned back
onto the stage for the nights capping stone, the award ceremony. We had now
reached the critical moment where the choir that performed the best were
going to be crowned BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of The Year 2023. The
choirs were placed in a particular order, and as we stood together some
squeezing each other’s hands whilst some were praying, we were ever so
hopeful. Drawing a large moment of suspense, Mica Paris, announced that we
the EAGA Choir had won the competition. Immediately, the glorious trophy
was presented to our overjoyed Choir Master and that was such a significant
moment to date in the history of EAGA Choir. It also seemed to be a special
stamp of approval from our God in recognition of our dedicated years of
service to the UK community, whilst marking our 20th Anniversary Celebration
this year. We erupted in victory praise, hugs and tears, as our supporters and
the rest of the audience unanimously rose to their feet in a standing ovation.
Whilst, still on stage the competitions fabulous host, Mark De-Lisser, asked our
Choir Director what it felt like to be holding the trophy? In response, our Choir
Director holding back tears of joy, explicated how speechless and
overwhelmed he was. This win is indeed a testament of EAGA Choir’s talent,
dedication, and passion for gospel music.